University Libraries’ new exhibition looks back at Lonesome Pine Special concert series

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Archives and Special Collections presents a new exhibition “Kings, Queens and War Games: The musical journey of the Lonesome Pine Special concert series through the photographs of Richard Bram, with multi-media by Richard Van Kleeck.” The show runs Jan. 26 - May 22 in the Photographic Archives gallery in Ekstrom Library.

 The Lonesome Pine Special concert series ran in 1984 through 2000 at the Bomhard Theater in the Kentucky Center for the Arts. With a mission to be a musical "all things considered" platform for rising stars, underappreciated veterans and unique voices, it attracted numerous national acts such as Lyle Lovett, k.d. lang and They Might Be Giants.

The success of the concert series led to broadcasts on National Public Radio and PBS, airing in over one hundred and eighty markets and five countries.

The series was created and programmed by Van Kleeck, who then served as the director of programming for the Kentucky Center. The exhibition will feature more than 70 images by Bram, mostly in black and white.

“Archives and Special Collections is honored to preserve the legacy of this significant cultural chapter of local history. Bram and Van Kleeck’s work is right at home in the Photographic Archives and we encourage everyone to view the rich tapestry of performers that made up the Lonesome Pine Special series,” said Elizabeth Reilly, Photographic Archives curator.

There will be an opening reception 3-6 p.m. Jan. 26 in Ekstrom Library’s Chao Auditorium. Bram will speak, as well as Van Kleeck, who will also air a retrospective film he edited. Other speakers include Bob Hill, former columnist for The Courier-Journal; Leslie Stewart, former WFPL host and John Timmons, WFPK host and founder of ear X-tacy Records. Composer and violinist Scott Moore will perform a new work inspired by the diversity of musical styles presented on the concert series.

 For more information, contact Reilly at elizabeth.reilly@louisville.edu, 502-852-8730.

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Editor’s Note: A photograph of Cyril Neville by Bram is attached.